BLUE HALO MONTSERRAT is a partnership between the Government of Montserrat and the Waitt Institute. Our goal is to develop and implement solutions for sustainable ocean management.
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In February 2015, the Government of Montserrat and the Waitt Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding that launched Blue Halo Montserrat. The goal is to foster the sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources for present and future generations. Over a five-year period, we will develop and implement sustainable ocean policies and a marine spatial plan through a process that deeply engages stakeholders and is based on scientific, social, and economic data.
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FROM THE FIELD
KEY PARTNERS
Government of Montserrat
TIMELINE
2015
2016
2017
2018
Government of Montserrat & Waitt Institute Sign a Memorandum of Understanding, officially creating Blue Halo Montserrat.
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Scientific Assessment of Montserrat's marine resources and fish stocks.
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Community consultations conducted to understand local priorities for conservation, ocean uses and zone boundaries. An analysis of Montserrat's legal is completed to understand existing laws and regulations.
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Waitt Institute provides recommendations for a Sustainable Ocean Policy, and continues to engage local communities through lectures, events, ocean camps, social media, and radio.
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The Government of Montserrat appoints 20 ocean stakeholders to the Blue Halo Montserrat steering committee, which serves as ambassadors to the community and drives the Marine Spatial Planning process.
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The steering committee identifies conservation priorities, reviews scientific data, and continues to consult with communities in order to draft a Marine Spatial Plan.​
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The legal framework is drafted to codify the Marine Spatial Plan.
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Experimental Fish Trap Program is created with Montserrat Youth & Apprenticeship Program.
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Montserrat Ocean Fund launches in partnership with Montserrat National Trust.
REPORTS & RESOURCES
SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL REPORTS
A Review of the Ecology and Economics of Montserrat’s Marine Resources — June 2015
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Legal & Institutional Assessment of Authorities & Approaches — October 2015
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Community Consultations Findings – November 2016
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An Assessment of Montserrat’s Fisheries – November 2016
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Rationale for Strong Protection – September 2018
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Montserrat Scientific Assessment - January 2019
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SITE MANAGER
ROBIN RAMDEEN
As Site Manager for Montserrat and Antigua & Barbuda, she focuses on providing the Waitt Institute’s ocean management toolkit to the communities and governments and on executing program strategy. She is based on Antigua but visits Montserrat weekly.
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Location:
Island:
Population:
Exclusive Economic Zone:
Threats to the ocean:
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Lesser Antilles, Caribbean
102 square kilometers
4,900 people
7,188 square kilometers
Volcanic Eruption
Overfishing
Mangrove deforestation
Climate Change
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ABOUT MONTSERRAT
FISHING FOR
THE FUTURE
EXPERIMENTAL
FISH TRAP
PROGRAM, MONTSERRAT